Final Project: Informative Essay On A Youth Issue And School

Final Project: Informative Essay on a Youth Issue and School Organization Solutions

For the final project in this course, each student will produce an essay informing your audience on the causes and effects of an issue young adults/students face and “solutions’ that can be supported or implemented through a school organization/club to combat the issue. The organization/club is your creation (and will be featured in your presentation), although you may take cues from already existing organizations working on the same issue. Your essay should inform the audience on background/history (intro), causes, effects, and ways to deal with or solve this problem (body paragraphs).

In this assignment handout, you will find information on Topic Choice, and Essay Guidelines and Requirements: Possible topics to locate ‘issue’ – check larger list of examples on Canvas Issues of Faith/Religious Tolerance Impact of Social Media/technology Drugs/Alcohol Emotional Stress/Self-Esteem (body-image/depression) Gender Issues/LGBTQ Equality The Environment/Climate Change.

TOPIC CHOICE – THESIS PROPOSAL: Each student will choose a topic from the above list or propose a unique topic to the instructor during the proposal process. Any and all topics and theses must be approved as part of the proposal, due Tuesday, Mar. 3rd. Once approval for the topic and thesis has been given, the topic cannot change. Slight adjustments to the thesis may occur, but you should try to avoid a major shift. The proposal form will be found on our class Canvas page, and online submissions are expected. Consider which topic will best fit your needs both in terms of personal interest, but also the assignment requirements (note: a list of recent topics/issues students have researched is on Canvas).

YOUR ESSAY – OVERVIEW: Your final assignment will consist of a research paper 4-6 pages in length, typed and double-spaced. The essay will be an informative essay that discusses the current issue in society affecting young adults and highlights what your organization can do to combat it, so there is an element of persuasion.

RESEARCH REQUIREMENTS: Use at least 3 research sources. Two should come from the Cascadia/UWB Library—periodicals and bookstacks or library database sources. Any external internet sources such as organization webpages or news articles must be approved by the instructor before use. In-text citations must follow MLA guidelines, and an appropriate Works Cited page is required.

AUDIENCE: Your audience is undecided on your issue and needs to be informed about its importance. Maintain a formal tone, avoiding first and second-person perspectives when presenting arguments, examples, or insights. Instead, use third person to present universal insights. Your goal is to demonstrate why this issue is critical and how your organization can effectively respond to it.

ORGANIZATION STRATEGY: Your essay should include an introduction that provides background and previews main points with a clear thesis. The body paragraphs (3-6 in total) should explore causes, effects, and proposed solutions involving your organization. The conclusion should emphasize the importance of addressing the issue and summarize your main arguments, motivating action or support.

FORMAT AND LENGTH: Use 12pt Times New Roman font, double-spaced, with a title and header on the first page. The paper should be between 4 to 6 pages. You must incorporate 3 to 5 different sources, properly citing all sources in MLA format. A Works Cited page is required.

Paper For Above instruction

In recent years, the rise of mental health issues among young adults has become a pressing concern across educational institutions. Anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues have escalated, significantly impacting students' academic performance, social lives, and overall well-being. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive understanding of their causes, effects, and effective interventions that can be supported or implemented within the school context. This paper will examine the mental health crisis among young adults, analyze contributing factors, explore its consequences, and propose a targeted school organization initiative to mitigate the problem.

The causes of mental health issues among students are multifaceted. Academic pressure, social media influence, and societal expectations often contribute to elevated stress levels. For example, social media platforms, while connecting students, also expose them to cyberbullying, unrealistic beauty standards, and constant comparison, leading to feelings of inadequacy. According to the American Psychological Association (2020), high school students report anxiety related to performance and social acceptance, highlighting the role of external pressures in mental health deterioration (APA, 2020). Academic pressure, compounded by competitive environments and the fear of failure, can overwhelm students, leading to burnout and depression.

The effects of untreated mental health issues are profound. Students experiencing anxiety or depression often face difficulties concentrating, absenteeism, and drop in academic achievement. Beyond academics, mental health struggles can hinder social development and increase withdrawal from peer groups, fostering feelings of isolation. This isolation can further exacerbate mental health problems, creating a vicious cycle. Research indicates that untreated depression can lead to suicidal ideation, making early intervention crucial (Miller et al., 2019). The societal implications extend beyond individual suffering, affecting school climate and community well-being, emphasizing the need for proactive measures.

Recognizing the urgency of mental health support, schools can establish a peer-led mental health organization. This organization, called "Mind Support Network," would focus on peer education, mental health awareness, and resource facilitation. Such groups have been shown effective in creating supportive environments; for example, the "Peer Wellness Ambassador Program" at other schools increased mental health literacy and reduced stigma (Johnson & Smith, 2021). The organization would conduct workshops, facilitate access to counseling services, and serve as a bridge connecting students with mental health professionals.

The proposed organization can implement targeted programs such as stress management workshops, peer support groups, and social-emotional learning activities. These programs would aim to demystify mental health, promote resilience, and encourage help-seeking behavior. By involving students directly, the organization empowers them to take ownership of their mental health and supports a culture of openness. Additionally, integrating mental health education into the curriculum can normalize conversations and reduce stigma, fostering a supportive school environment where students feel safe to share their struggles.

In conclusion, addressing mental health issues among young adults is essential for fostering a healthy, productive school community. Understanding the causes—such as academic pressure and social media influence—helps in designing effective interventions. Implementing a peer-led organization like the "Mind Support Network" provides a proactive approach to promote mental wellness, reduce stigma, and connect students with necessary resources. By taking these steps, schools can make significant strides in improving student well-being and academic success, ultimately contributing to a more supportive and resilient student body.

References

  • American Psychological Association. (2020). Stress in America: Generation Z. APA. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2020/generation-z
  • Johnson, L., & Smith, R. (2021). Peer-led mental health initiatives in schools: Enhancing student support systems. Journal of School Health, 91(4), 313-319.
  • Miller, A., Chen, H., & Lee, S. (2019). Early intervention strategies for adolescent depression: A review. Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 173(5), 451-459.
  • Smith, J. (2018). The impact of social media on adolescent mental health. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 27(2), 131-143.
  • World Health Organization. (2018). Mental health in adolescents: Challenges and solutions. WHO Reports. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-mental-health

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